Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2012	Apr. 03, 2011
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net Income	$ 15,059	$ 16,380
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(34)	410
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	15,025	16,790
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	23,215	18,802
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discount and/or premium	690	226
Restricted stock expense	1,016	738
Stock option plan expense	490	1,323
Provision for doubtful accounts	403	407
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	(748)	(662)
Income tax provision (benefit) of equity compensation	342	(172)
Loss on sale of property and equipment	323	132
Dividends received from unconsolidated joint venture	0	5,402
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:
Changes in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets	29,455	29,142
Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(1,351)	(3,051)
Net cash provided by operating activities	68,860	69,077
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition, cash consideration, net of cash acquired	0	(409,607)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	158	250
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	297	0
Change in restricted cash and investments	791	3,199
Capital expenditures	(48,832)	(38,696)
Net cash used in investing activities	(47,586)	(444,854)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Payments on long-term debt	(64,075)	(21,666)
Proceeds from long-term debt	53,000	461,000
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(5,758)	(4,012)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	231	983
Payments for retirement of common stock	(1,035)	0
Income tax (provision) benefit of equity compensation	(342)	172
Debt issuance costs	(44)	(9,277)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(18,023)	427,200
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	995	(5,193)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	4,246	46,230
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	44,753	39,664
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	48,999	85,894
Non-cash Investing and Financing activities:
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 8,239	$ 21,834